Fresh from being crowned First Princess at the Miss Malawi 2025 pageant, Ireen Navicha is using the spotlight not just to celebrate beauty, but to amplify a cause close to her heart; girls’ education and empowerment.
“The crown was deeply meaningful to me because it was a moment of validation and gratitude. For my advocacy work, it provided greater visibility and credibility,” she said.
Ireen believes Malawian beauty pageants are evolving into platforms that value purpose, intelligence and impact alongside beauty.
“There is still room for growth, but the direction is promising,” she added.
Her journey in beauty pageantry, including being crowned Miss Culture Malawi 2023 and representing Malawi internationally, has given her a powerful platform to amplify her voice.
“Pageantry has allowed me to engage wider audiences, attract partnerships and bring attention to issues affecting girls and education. It transformed my advocacy from local conversations to national and international dialogue,” she said.
Beyond the crown, Ireen founded Greynavies Foundation, an organisation dedicated to breaking cycles of poverty through education and sustainable community initiatives.
Founded in 2022, it was born out of her lived experiences in communities where limited access to education continues to hold girls back.
“Through the foundation, we have created a safe and inclusive platform where young people can volunteer, gain practical skills and give back. At its core, the organisation focuses on bringing girls back to school, while complementing education efforts with sustainable agriculture initiatives that promote long-term, community-driven change,” she explained.
Ireen added that Greynavies Foundation seeks to address educational inequality and the lack of empowerment opportunities for girls, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
According to her, many girls face barriers such as poverty, limited mentorship and inadequate resources.
Looking ahead, Ireen revealed the organisation’s five-year plan, including expanding education support programmes and strengthening girl-focused empowerment initiatives.
She also plans to introduce mentorship and career guidance programmes, partnering with schools, non-governmental organisations, private institutions and create sustainable projects that support both education and economic empowerment.
One of the foundation’s flagship initiatives is the Seed of Hope project, which empowers women and girls through education advocacy and sustainable livelihoods.
The project targets women who cannot access formal education, including single mothers and young women.
Despite progress, Ireen noted gaps in Malawi’s education system, especially for girls.
These include high dropout rates and lack of menstrual hygiene support.
She said addressing these challenges requires collaboration among government, communities, the private sector and civil society organisations to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Looking ahead, Ireen envisions Greynavies Foundation growing into a trusted and transformative organisation that creates lasting opportunities for girls and communities across Malawi and beyond.
“I envision a future where every girl, regardless of her background, has access to education, mentorship and the support she needs to rise with confidence and dignity.
“The foundation aims to be a catalyst for long-term change rather than short-term relief,” she said.
As a young woman leader, Ireen is committed to leading with integrity, empathy and action.
“Leadership is not about position or recognition, but service, consistency and accountability. I strive to use my voice responsibly, to listen before I lead and to remain deeply connected to the communities I serve,” she said.
Recently, Ireen travelled to Nkhata Bay for girl-child empowerment activities where she encountered the harsh realities many girls face, including school dropouts, early marriages and limited access to basic resources.
“One of the most painful challenges we faced was resistance from some girls who were hesitant and embarrassed to return to school after dropping out. Many felt judged, discouraged or believed it was already too late for them,” she said.
Despite these challenges, she also witnessed remarkable resilience and determination.
“Listening to their stories reminded me that advocacy cannot be done from a distance. It must be rooted in listening, presence and action. That experience strengthened my commitment to ensuring girls are not just seen, but genuinely supported, encouraged and given the confidence to believe in second chances,” she shared.
Balancing activism, leadership and public life, the princess admitted it is not easy.
“I navigate these challenges by staying grounded in my purpose, seeking mentorship, pausing when needed and reminding myself why I started. Resilience, for me, comes from faith, reflection and community support,” she said.
Ireen added that intentional planning, setting boundaries and prioritising self-care have been essential to sustaining her work.
“Personal well-being is critical to effective leadership. Taking time to rest and recharge allows me to show up fully for the communities I serve,” she said.
Beyond the crown and titles, Ireen is a young woman shaped by family, education and a deep commitment to service.
She comes from a family of seven and is the sixth-born.
Ireen is close to her parents, whose guidance and values have greatly influenced her life.
She is currently a fourth-year student at the Malawi University of Science and Technology, pursuing a degree in indigenous knowledge systems and practices.
Ireen completed her secondary education at Maranatha Girls Academy and Alice Gwengwe Foundation.
She went to Chisapi Private School, Future Leaders Foundation School, Nachipele Primary School and Ntambanyama FP School.
Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the challenges many girls face in accessing education, particularly those affected by poverty, early marriage and teenage pregnancy.
These experiences shaped her passion for education and community service.
Ireen’s advice to girls aspiring to lead and make an impact is clear:
“Know that your voice matters, your dreams are valid and your circumstances do not define your future. You do not need permission to believe in yourself or to start where you are. Growth begins with courage and impact begins with consistency.”
In her free time, Ireen enjoys playing football, reading, dancing, drawing, painting, cooking and activities that allow her to express herself creatively, stay active and remain balanced and inspired as she continues her work.
